Research on how health care reaches patients. Covers online screening programs, care delays, regional cardiology, and surgical treatment access.
A new study finds that abortion care churn, including clinic-level instability and chronic uncertainty, creates barriers for patients and compromises access to abortion care in Ohio. The research highlights the need for policymakers to consider the multifaceted impacts of restrictions on abortion access.
A recent study found that larger, more integrated health systems do not generally deliver better quality of care. The research highlights the importance of enforcing antitrust guidelines and providing financial support for smaller healthcare organizations threatened by consolidation.
Scientists at the University of Warwick have developed a new technique that can spot potential preterm births in asymptomatic high-risk women with up to 73% accuracy. The technology uses volatile organic compound analysis to characterise airborne chemicals and is designed to be cost-effective and non-invasive.
A $204,000 grant from the NCI will support research on sustainability of telemedicine for rural cancer patients. The study aims to identify factors allowing telemedicine to be sustained over time and its impact on patients.
The study found that applicant practices were diverse but lacked representation from small, independent, rural, or inexperienced practices. Participating practices served healthier and more advantaged beneficiaries, highlighting the need for further engagement.
The COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating the adoption of innovative healthcare service delivery models. Healthcare providers are turning to digital platforms and remote care options to stay afloat.
A new ageing well initiative aims to bring together children with older people in a structured way, delivering health and wellbeing benefits for all. The Child Care in Aged Care project promotes meaningful community connections and challenges stereotypes through intergenerational activities.
Recent COVID-19 policy shifts have made it possible for more people to access addiction care via telemedicine, specifically video chats and telephone calls. Key treatments like medications, psychotherapy, and peer group support can now be delivered remotely, but sustaining this approach will require continued changes.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a significant toll on mental health, highlighting the need for online platforms to facilitate social support and continued mental health care delivery. The study discusses effective strategies for utilizing online platforms during the pandemic.
Canada's healthcare system faces high hospital occupancy rates and inefficiencies due to inadequate capital funding, which hinders the adoption of new technologies and infrastructure upgrades.
Rural patients receive lower quality care and have higher mortality rates due to limited access to advanced stroke treatments. The analysis found that hospital capabilities for delivering advanced stroke care are lower in rural areas, resulting in substantially higher mortality rates.
A recent study published in the American Heart Association found that rural stroke patients are more likely to die from stroke-related complications and receive inadequate treatment. Compared to urban patients, rural patients had lower rates of receiving clot-busting medication and undergoing endovascular thrombectomy, leading to highe...
A house call model using interventional radiology treatments in patients' homes improved access to care, reducing emergency department use by 77% and hospital readmissions by 50%. The model provides specialized care to elderly homebound patients with chronic illnesses, preventing complications and delaying urgent visits.
A new report published in the New England Journal of Medicine examines the limitations of COVID-19 diagnostic tests, highlighting concerns over false-negative results. The study emphasizes the need for highly sensitive and validated tests to accurately declare individuals uninfected, ensuring safe reopening of communities.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association finds that palliative care significantly lowers rehospitalization rates and improves patient outcomes for those with heart failure. Palliative care added to standard treatment plans can reduce hospital readmissions by up to 25%.
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) has released a high-priority question guide for the 2020 elections, addressing eight policy issues important to older adults. The guide focuses on increasing access to geriatric health professionals, expanding Title VII training programs, and prioritizing aging research to address chronic diseases.
A scoping review of 405 studies reveals that AI research in primary care is at an early stage, with unique challenges to applying AI in a person-centric approach. To mature, value must be placed on developing rigorous AI and identifying impacts on care delivery and health outcomes.
Virtual rounds and intercom communication systems enable compassionate and reassuring encounters while preserving PPE, reducing exposure time, and delivering exceptional care during mass contagion. The COVID-19 pandemic may transform outdated healthcare delivery methods and reveal new ways to use virtual care to improve patient health.
Primary care clinicians perceive their role in caring for cancer survivors, but approaches vary widely. Researchers recommend coordinating care between primary care and oncologists to address complex needs.
The article highlights Singapore's successful COVID-19 containment response in primary care, featuring triage, containment, and infection control measures. Additionally, it explores the benefits of routine lung cancer screenings and discusses the increasing use of artificial intelligence in primary care to improve diagnostic accuracy.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened health inequities among vulnerable populations, with increased racial and ethnic biases impacting healthcare decisions. Remote diagnosis and care technology access also affects patient outcomes.
A Viewpoint article explores challenges and solutions in palliative care during the pandemic. Key findings include strategies to optimize care delivery, address healthcare workforce shortages, and improve patient outcomes.
A new study found that Canadian patients can wait significantly longer for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedures, with wait times varying greatly across provinces. The study highlights the need for improved access to TAVR care and calls for policy makers to re-evaluate funding mechanisms.
Researchers found that telehealth services using videoconferences can save travel time, equip families with strategies to promote independence, and reduce costs for non-pharmacologic interventions. The study provides evidence-based information and skills to support people with dementia and their care partners.
The USPSTF advises against routine screening for bacterial vaginosis in pregnant individuals without symptoms or increased risk of preterm delivery. However, it suggests caution for those at higher risk, with current recommendations dating back to 2008.
A team of international medical experts successfully delivered insulin via a drone to a patient living in a remote community in Ireland, addressing healthcare access issues. The project demonstrated the potential for autonomous drones to deliver life-saving medications and supplies in disaster scenarios.
Cities with strict early restrictions had lower disease and mortality rates compared to those with fewer and later restrictions. Cities that adopted broad isolation measures, including school closures, mask wearing, and case isolation, saw significant reductions in disease spread.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that organizational supports for nurse practitioners enhance their ability to deliver patient-centered care. NPs working in good practice environments were more likely to integrate patient preferences into care compared to those in mixed or poor environments.
A large Kaiser Permanente study found that patients who underwent bariatric surgery maintained significantly more weight loss at 5 years compared to those who did not have surgery. Gastric bypass surgery showed better results than sleeve gastrectomy, with fewer participants regaining weight.
Researchers found that operational failures, particularly with electronic medical records, result in additional work for primary care physicians. This disparity highlights the need to address system-level errors to improve physician work efficiency.
The journal special issue examines how contemporary trends in immigration affect aging populations, with a focus on social ties, filial obligation, and culturally accessible services. Strongest common themes include the importance of social connections for promoting health and well-being.
A literature review by Loyola Medicine neurologist Antonio H. Iglesias highlights TMS efficacy in treating depression, OCD, and other neurological conditions, including stroke, acute migraines, and dementia. The treatment is well-tolerated with few side effects.
A new study highlights the potential need to standardize quality measurement for cardiovascular care. Hospitals recognized by the AHA and ACC for high-quality care were more likely to be financially penalized under value-based programs than other hospitals.
A study published in Circulation shows that declines in heart attacks are greatest among men, with a nearly 50% decrease between 2000 and 2014. While women also experienced a decline, their rate slowed in the last five years of the study.
A new PSU study found that decreasing out-of-network primary care across all Medicare ACOs could save the system $45 million a year. Higher specialty care leakage was associated with higher costs for ACOs, driven by outpatient care and emergency room visits.
A comprehensive evaluation of existing quality metrics for kidney disease reveals that less than half are highly valid, with nearly half related to dialysis management. The study proposes refinements and new metrics to better reflect the spectrum of kidney care delivery, aiming to improve the accuracy of quality measurement.
A new score, the Cambridge Multimorbidity Score, outperforms the Charlson Comorbidity Index in predicting healthcare outcomes for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. The score can help clinicians prioritize care and optimize health delivery to an aging population.
The Value Transformation Framework (VTF) provides a step-by-step guide for healthcare organizations to shift to value-based care, focusing on improving quality of care and outcomes. The framework addresses three domains: Infrastructure, Care Delivery, and People, with 15 Change Areas offering flexible steps toward improvement.
Despite initial efforts to improve patient outcomes through integrated care, a recent study found that Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) face significant challenges in integrating social services into their medical practices. The researchers identified limitations in data collection and partnership development as major obstacles.
A new Dartmouth study found that pharmaceutical companies' promotional access to US primary care practices is substantial, especially in smaller practices and those without academic affiliation. The researchers also discovered a pattern of higher promotional activity in the Southern region of the country.
A recent study found that fewer than one-third of caregivers to older adults report being regularly asked by health care workers about needed support. Most caregivers reported positive interactions with health care workers, but the lack of regular check-ins highlights a need for improved caregiver support.
A guided self-help approach was safe and effective in reducing psychological distress and improving functioning among female South Sudanese refugee women living in Uganda. The intervention resulted in meaningful improvements in symptoms of depression, PTSD, and explosive anger, with benefits seen across different trauma histories and l...
A recent study by Oregon State University researchers found that Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) in 2012 reduced infant mortality rates among Medicaid patients, particularly preterm births. The CCOs' integrated care model addressed social determinants of health, such as housing and transportation, to improve patient outcomes.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) releases a new vision for a better US healthcare system, emphasizing universal coverage, reduced barriers to care, and value-based payment systems. The plan aims to improve health outcomes, reduce costs, and promote patient-centered care.
The American College of Physicians releases a series of policy papers recommending systemic reforms to achieve better healthcare for all. The recommendations address coverage and cost of care, healthcare payment and delivery systems, barriers to care, and social determinants of health.
A recent study surveyed 1,446 adults and found that just 6.4% consider the religious affiliation of hospitals they choose, while 71.4% said their care should not be curtailed by religious dogma. The research highlights conflicts in care for women who are often denied certain reproductive healthcare at Catholic hospitals.
A randomized controlled trial found that substitutive home hospital care reduced costs, decreased health care use, and 30-day readmissions compared to traditional hospital care. The study also showed improved physical activity among patients receiving home hospital care. This model could transform how acute care is delivered in the US.
Bystanders play a crucial role in saving cardiac arrest victims, with early emergency care by bystanders reducing the chance of survival by 7-10% per minute. Recognizing signs of cardiac arrest and performing CPR, including using an automated external defibrillator (AED), can significantly increase survival rates.
Researchers used a dataset to model primary care networks and found that removing critical fractions of PCPs can lead to significant weakening of the network. This can result in inadequate coverage for patients, even when critical thresholds are not reached.
A machine learning model identified patients at risk of requiring kidney replacement therapy, leading to a significant improvement in dialysis initiation rates. The system calculates weekly risk scores and alerts clinicians to optimize treatment decisions, resulting in better patient outcomes.
A study found that delaying gallbladder removal for acute cholecystitis by more than three days after hospital admission increases the risk of complications, hospital readmissions, and longer hospital stays. Performing the operation within 24 hours of admission reduces these risks.
The Center for the Urban Child and Healthy Family at Boston Medical Center has been selected for a national demonstration project to develop innovative, person-centered strategies for adults and children with complex health and social needs. The program aims to improve health outcomes and foster health equity by integrating care services.
A new study estimates that about one-quarter of total US health care spending is waste, ranging from $76 billion to $94 billion. The authors found that the estimated annual cost of waste was $265.6 billion, with potential savings ranging from $191 billion to $282 billion
The National Institute on Aging announced winners of its Eureka competition, which aims to spur technological innovations in dementia care. MapHabit took first place with a mobile app helping people with dementia follow simple commands and receive feedback from caregivers.
A comprehensive review of connected diabetes care products found the potential for improved outcomes and reduced healthcare burdens. However, awareness and use of these programs remain low among healthcare professionals and patients.
A study by University of Bristol researchers found that a named GP scheme did not lead to improved continuity of care or reduced emergency hospital admissions among older patients. Instead, it increased the risk of emergency hospital admissions, particularly among those aged over 75.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has awarded six research grants to develop a learning health care system for the treatment of early psychosis. The grants aim to improve quality of care and patient outcomes while speeding advances in early psychosis services and science.
The Warriors Research Institute, a Baylor Scott & White center, has received a $500,000 grant to expand its telehealth program for Texas veterans and their families. The program offers high-quality, accessible mental health treatment via live video conferencing, with significant improvements in quality of life reported by participants.
Researchers found a 14.5% increase in appropriate use of preventive medicine and a 41% reduction in blood pressure among patients using SMARTHealth. The program, developed by the George Institute, empowers local women with training on blood sample collection and data analysis to provide cardiovascular care.
Case management programs delivering high-intensity interventions and multidisciplinary care plans yield positive results for adult frequent users with chronic diseases. The systematic review identified key characteristics of effective case management, including high-intensity interventions and multidisciplinary team care.